Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 12 oz egg noodles
- 2 cups sour cream
- 3 oz cream cheese
- ½ white onion, chopped
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, grated
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving later.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and no longer pink, about 8-10 minutes. Season with the garlic salt as it cooks, stirring occasionally to break up the meat. Once fully cooked, drain any excess grease to keep the casserole from becoming too oily.
- Prepare the Noodles: While the beef is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually 7-9 minutes. Be careful not to overcook as they’ll continue to soften in the oven. Drain well and set aside.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, marinara sauce, cooked egg noodles, chopped white onion, sour cream, and cream cheese. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and evenly distributed. This creates the perfect balance of savory and creamy flavors.
- Layer in Casserole Dish: Transfer the mixture to the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly to ensure consistent cooking and serving portions.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole mixture. This will create a deliciously melty, golden crust when baked.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from burning and to help the casserole heat through. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove from the oven and let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly, making it easier to portion and serve.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning or dried oregano to the beef while cooking.
- You can prepare this casserole ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This dish freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes or use a spicy marinara sauce.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 105mg